A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has raised alarm over alleged political intimidation, linking it to the formation of the ADC coalition and resistance from opposition figures.
Okonkwo made the claims during an interview from 1:57 on SYMFONI TV while reacting to recent political developments surrounding the coalition. He suggested that tensions are rising as political actors position themselves ahead of future elections, particularly among those unwilling to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citing comments attributed to Bala Mohammed, Okonkwo said, “Did you not hear from Bala Mohammed that’s saying he’s going to declare war. That is it by force, that why they are arresting his commissioners and all that is because he refused to join APC. He said it clearly.” He argued that such developments point to a broader pattern of pressure being exerted on political figures who decline to align with the ruling party.
The ADC chieftain alleged that the reported arrests of commissioners linked to Bala Mohammed are politically motivated, claiming they are part of efforts to coerce opposition leaders into joining the APC. He warned that such actions, if true, could undermine democratic principles and weaken political pluralism in the country.
Okonkwo further stated that the ADC coalition was formed to resist what he described as attempts to stifle opposition voices. He maintained that the party remains committed to promoting democratic values, including freedom of association and fair political competition.
His remarks are likely to spark debate, as allegations of political intimidation remain a sensitive issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. While no official response has been issued regarding his claims, analysts say such statements highlight the growing tensions and mistrust among political actors. Read_More…